2025 AIChE Annual Meeting

(183as) Enhanced Chemotherapeutic Delivery and Efficacy in Melanoma Treatment Via Magnetite Nanobioconjugates

Authors

Juan Cruz - Presenter, Universidad de los Andes
Erika Diaz, Universidad de los Andes
Valentina Quezada, Universidad de los Andes
Javier Cifuentes, Universidad de los Andes
Nydia Arias-Morales, Universidad de los Andes
Luis Reyes, Universidad de los Andes
Carolina Muñoz-Camargo, Universidad de los Andes
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with high metastatic potential and resistance to conventional chemotherapeutics due to poor drug solubility and systemic toxicity. This study explores the use of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanobioconjugates as an advanced drug delivery platform to enhance the solubility, bioavailability, and targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents Temozolomide (TMZ) and Paclitaxel (PTX). Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized using a chemical coprecipitation method and functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG), peptide conjugates, and a reducible disulfide linker to optimize drug loading efficiency and tumor targeting.

Comprehensive physicochemical characterization, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), confirmed successful conjugation and high drug loading efficiencies (32-72% for TMZ, 32-60% for PTX). Biocompatibility studies demonstrated minimal hemolysis and platelet aggregation, supporting their suitability for intravenous administration.

In vitro cytotoxicity studies on A-375 human melanoma cells revealed enhanced therapeutic efficacy of nanobioconjugates compared to free drugs, with cellular uptake mediated by macropinocytosis, caveolin-, and clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Additionally, spheroid models confirmed superior penetration and cytotoxic action against 3D melanoma constructs, underscoring the nanobioconjugates’ potential in overcoming drug resistance mechanisms.

These findings highlight magnetite nanobioconjugates as a promising nanocarrier system for targeted melanoma therapy, improving drug solubility, reducing systemic toxicity, and enhancing tumor selectivity. This work contributes to the development of precision nanomedicine strategies, leveraging novel drug carriers and advanced release mechanisms for effective cancer treatment.